Familiars & Spells

[Matt2VK]

If you have a wand of # on your spell list. Does a Familiar need to make a UMD check to use that want?

[VRMH]

Yes. The Familiar has no spell list, and so all wands have to be UMD'd.

[cp]

Many Improved familiars have an ability to cast spells - such as a brownie, a fairie dragon etc.

I haven't done a rules review, but I would allow spells they can cast I would allow them to activate absent a UMD.

And, while it doesn't directly address OP, ratfolk can cast spells from scrolls as if the spell were on their spell list.